Cricket Scotland has announced that its men’s team will play Afghanistan only in International Cricket Council (ICC) events, citing concerns over the Taliban government’s treatment of women and girls. The board has ruled out bilateral series and participation in tri-series involving Afghanistan unless there is a significant improvement in women’s rights and the broader human rights situation in the country.
In a statement, Cricket Scotland confirmed that it would not proactively schedule bilateral series or take part in tri-series involving the Afghanistan men’s team. It also ruled out hosting or participating in pre-tour training camps, practice matches and warm-up fixtures involving Afghanistan outside ICC competitions.
The board said it would reconsider its position only after a “material change” in circumstances concerning women’s cricket in Afghanistan and wider human rights concerns.
The decision also addresses Afghanistan’s request for training facilities in Scotland. Cricket Scotland revealed that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) approached it in July, seeking access to facilities ahead of a series against Ireland. The ACB also requested discussions about the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).
Cricket Scotland declined the request, citing operational restrictions and the need for additional time to review its position.
The board said its decision followed an assessment of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the treatment of women and girls, its own commitment to growing women’s cricket, consultations with government authorities and the positions taken by other major cricket boards.
Cricket Scotland also clarified its position on Scottish players participating in the Afghanistan Premier League. George Munsey was the only Scottish cricketer selected in last week’s player draft. The board said it would issue the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC), provided the tournament receives ICC sanction.
“Cricket Scotland will comply with its obligations as set out in its contracts with its players. If an NOC is issued, participation by that player must not be interpreted as an endorsement by Cricket Scotland of the current Afghan regime or its policies,” the statement said.
The policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant ICC decision or material change in circumstances.
With this move, Cricket Scotland joins Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in restricting bilateral cricket engagement with Afghanistan over concerns surrounding women’s rights. Both boards have previously suspended bilateral cricket relations with the country.
Cricket Scotland’s decision allows Afghanistan to continue facing Scotland in ICC tournaments while withholding support for bilateral engagements outside those events. The board has made clear that any broader resumption of cricketing ties will depend on meaningful changes in the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan.
